PS Sing’oei Defends Decision of Issuing Kenyan Passports to RSF

The government has explained why some Sudanese individuals linked to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been allowed to use Kenyan passports and travel documents.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV’s JKLive show on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei said Kenya was only helping people affected by the war in Sudan as part of peace mediation efforts in the region.

Sing’oei was responding to questions on claims that the Kenyan government had issued passports to foreigners, including members of Sudan’s RSF rebel group.

PS Korir Sing’oei Defends Decision of Issuing Kenyan Passports to RSF

He first clarified that he does not speak for the passport department but defended Kenya’s actions, saying the country has been playing a key role in efforts to restore peace in Sudan.

“Sudan is an important country in our region. When the war broke out between SAF and RSF, President Ruto, together with other heads of state under the IGAD framework, tried to find a solution to the problem,” Sing’oei said.

He explained that the conflict in Sudan forced many political leaders, activists, and civil society members to flee to neighbouring countries, including Kenya.

“The reality is that when the war broke out, many political actors and civil society players fled to several countries, including Kenya. We have been sheltering them as we have done with refugees for many years,” he added.

Also Read: Govt Breaks Silence Over Issuance of Kenyan Passports to RSF Leader & Other Foreigners

Govt Explains Circumstances under Which It Can Issue Passports to Foreigners

The PS denied claims that Kenya was carelessly giving out passports to foreigners.

“I want to speak quite categorically. Passports are not dished willy-nilly. They are not dished like candy. That is completely untrue,” he said.

According to Sing’oei, there are exceptional situations where people escaping war and conflict may be allowed to travel using Kenyan documents, especially if they do not have their own identification papers.

Also Read: Nyoro Responds After Backlash Over Post on RSF Leader

He explained that many people fleeing conflict zones often leave their countries without carrying documents.

“It is my very strong view that under exceptional circumstances, people in distress may be allowed to travel using our passports. This is not a new thing because people fleeing conflicts sometimes do not have documents,” he stated.

Sing’oei further said that Kenya’s involvement in peace mediation may require helping some individuals travel for negotiations or safety reasons.

He cited former South African President Thabo Mbeki, who once revealed he used a Tanzanian passport during the apartheid period.

“So it is not unusual, given our peace mediation role, that in order to facilitate travel, certain individuals may be facilitated to travel,” Sing’oei explained.

However, he insisted that this does not mean Kenya is freely handing out passports to foreigners.

The response by the Foreign Affairs PS comes amid public uproar over the issuance of Kenyan passports to RSF leaders who have been accused of committing crimes against humanity in Sudan.

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